Coach Bob Stoops announced Wednesday that Saunders' eligibility appeal had been approved by the NCAA. He transferred from Fresno State during the offseason and initially was ruled ineligible this season under NCAA transfer guidelines.

Saunders caught 50 passes for 1,065 yards last season and led the Western Athletic Conference with 12 touchdown catches.

Stoops says he's hopeful Saunders will be ready to play Saturday against the Longhorns.